Delaware News

DHSS Urges SNAP Clients to Take Action to Protect EBT Benefits from Theft

Delaware Health and Social Services | Featured Posts | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, June 9, 2026


Graphic titled “Scam Alert: Stay SNAP Safe” with red and black text on a light gray background. The graphic provides four tips to help SNAP recipients protect their EBT benefits from theft: Lock your EBT card until it is time to shop and relock it after completing your purchase. Avoid simple PINs such as 1234 or your birthdate, and change your PIN frequently. Check for card skimming devices before using your EBT card in person and never share your EBT card number or PIN. Report stolen benefits immediately, request a new card, and change your PIN. A red banner at the bottom warns: “If you receive a call or text saying your EBT card is locked, your benefits will be stopped, or you need to verify your identity, THIS IS A SCAM.” The graphic includes icons representing a lock, PIN changes, security protection, and reporting fraud.

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Division of Social Services (DSS) reminds Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) clients to take proactive steps to protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and benefits from theft following an increase in incidents of EBT fraud and benefit theft.

“Protecting SNAP benefits is more important than ever,” said DHSS Secretary Christen Linke Young. “We are seeing more Delawareans report stolen benefits and taking a few simple steps now can help reduce the risk of fraud. Locking your card, safeguarding your PIN, and monitoring your account can help keep your benefits secure.”

Federal authority allowing states to replace stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024 and was not renewed by Congress. As a result, Delaware is no longer able to replace SNAP benefits that are stolen through fraud or other unauthorized transactions.

SNAP clients are encouraged to:

  • Lock their EBT card when not in use by downloading the ConnectEBT mobile app or visiting ConnectEBT.com. The “Lock My Card Everywhere” feature prevents unauthorized transactions and can be turned off when the cardholder is ready to make purchases.
  • Report theft: If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, immediately call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-526-9099 to cancel your card and request a new one. Report stolen benefits by completing and returning the SNAP Stolen Benefit Form (Form 306) to notify DSS when benefits have been compromised. This form can be found online below or on the ASSIST portal. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
  • Stay vigilant against scams or skimming devices. Never share your SNAP card number or PIN outside your household. DHSS will never request this information via phone calls, text messages, or email.

Individuals whose benefits have been stolen and who need immediate food assistance can access a variety of resources through the Division of Social Services, including food pantries at State Service Centers. Delawareans can also contact Delaware 211 or the Food Bank of Delaware for information about available community resources.

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DHSS Urges SNAP Clients to Take Action to Protect EBT Benefits from Theft

Delaware Health and Social Services | Featured Posts | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, June 9, 2026


Graphic titled “Scam Alert: Stay SNAP Safe” with red and black text on a light gray background. The graphic provides four tips to help SNAP recipients protect their EBT benefits from theft: Lock your EBT card until it is time to shop and relock it after completing your purchase. Avoid simple PINs such as 1234 or your birthdate, and change your PIN frequently. Check for card skimming devices before using your EBT card in person and never share your EBT card number or PIN. Report stolen benefits immediately, request a new card, and change your PIN. A red banner at the bottom warns: “If you receive a call or text saying your EBT card is locked, your benefits will be stopped, or you need to verify your identity, THIS IS A SCAM.” The graphic includes icons representing a lock, PIN changes, security protection, and reporting fraud.

NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Division of Social Services (DSS) reminds Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) clients to take proactive steps to protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and benefits from theft following an increase in incidents of EBT fraud and benefit theft.

“Protecting SNAP benefits is more important than ever,” said DHSS Secretary Christen Linke Young. “We are seeing more Delawareans report stolen benefits and taking a few simple steps now can help reduce the risk of fraud. Locking your card, safeguarding your PIN, and monitoring your account can help keep your benefits secure.”

Federal authority allowing states to replace stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024 and was not renewed by Congress. As a result, Delaware is no longer able to replace SNAP benefits that are stolen through fraud or other unauthorized transactions.

SNAP clients are encouraged to:

  • Lock their EBT card when not in use by downloading the ConnectEBT mobile app or visiting ConnectEBT.com. The “Lock My Card Everywhere” feature prevents unauthorized transactions and can be turned off when the cardholder is ready to make purchases.
  • Report theft: If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, immediately call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-526-9099 to cancel your card and request a new one. Report stolen benefits by completing and returning the SNAP Stolen Benefit Form (Form 306) to notify DSS when benefits have been compromised. This form can be found online below or on the ASSIST portal. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
  • Stay vigilant against scams or skimming devices. Never share your SNAP card number or PIN outside your household. DHSS will never request this information via phone calls, text messages, or email.

Individuals whose benefits have been stolen and who need immediate food assistance can access a variety of resources through the Division of Social Services, including food pantries at State Service Centers. Delawareans can also contact Delaware 211 or the Food Bank of Delaware for information about available community resources.

image_printPrint

Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.